| Counter-Missionary
Printable Counter-Missionary Survival Guide 
What to Do When Confronted by A Missionary
1. Look at the entire context of the verse in question (It is best to use a Hebrew-English Tanach) - If the Jewish proof can be made strictly from a Christian Bible, it has more impact
2. Check to see if the verse is mistranslated
3. Check to see is the verse is misinterpreted
4. Check to see if the verse can be applied to a person other than Jesus
5. Do not quote one's rabbi
6. Do not quote the Talmud/Mishna
7. Ask for logical proofs of their beliefs if they use psychological tricks such as warning you that you will burn in hell if you do not accept Jesus
8. When you ask a question do not allow them to simply ignore it—make sure that they answer your question or admit that they do not have an answer
9. Speak calmly
10. Never be on the defensive
11. Remember that most missionaries are sincere and should be treated in a respectful manner
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Messianic Terminology
Be on the alert for certain key words that will help determine if someone is a true Jew or B'nei Noach or a Messianic missionary.
*A correct term, but used in a completely different context
| TERM |
REAL MEANING |
| Altar Execution Stake |
Cross |
| Believer |
Christian |
| *Biblical |
Christian |
| Brit Chadasha |
New Testament |
| Completion, Completed Jew |
Conversion to Christianity |
| Congregation |
Church |
| Good News |
Christian Gospel |
| Immersion |
Baptism |
| *Messiah |
Jesus Christ |
| Messiah atoned for sins |
Jesus died for our sins |
| Messianic |
Christian |
| *Mikveh |
Baptism |
| *Moshiach |
Jesus Christ |
| Return of Messiah |
Second Coming |
| *Scriptural |
Christian |
| Shavuot |
Pentacost |
| Spirit of G-d |
Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit |
| *Tanach |
Old Testament |
| Tree |
Cross |
| Triune |
Trinity |
| Turning |
Conversion to Christianity |
| Unity |
Trinity |
| Y'shua, Yeshua |
Jesus |
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Answers to Missionary Proofs
Missionary Proof: Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of the Messiah being born in Bethlehem. (Matthew 2:6)
Jewish Answer: Micah speaks of Bethlehem as the Messiah’s place of origin since this is David’s birthplace and the Messiah will be a descendant of David. (Micah 5:1)
Missionary Proof: The messiah will be born of a virgin. (Matthew 1:23)
Jewish Answer: The child spoken of in Isaiah is the son of King Ahaz. In addition, the word used is translated as young maiden and not virgin. (Isaiah 7:14)
Missionary Proof: Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of being a prophet like Moses. (John 1:45; Acts 3:22; Acts 7:37, Deuteronomy 18:18)
Jewish Answer: The prophets of the future Israel will share Moses’ saintly qualities. (Deuteronomy 34:10)
Missionary Proof: Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of living a sinless life. (Isaiah 53:9)
Jewish Answer: Jesus was not sinless. (John 9:16, John 10:30, John 14:9, John 16:15)
Missionary Proof: Jesus fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would be killed by crucifixion. (Psalm 22:16.)
Jewish Answer: This is obviously a mistranslation and in no way refers to Jesus as the Messiah. (Psalm 22:17)
Missionary Proof: Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of dying for our sins. (Isaiah 53:11)
Jewish Answer: First, man shall only be punished for his own sins. (Deuteronomy 26:16) Second, Christians put great stress upon blood atonement for sins and claim that without the blood of Jesus there can be no remission of sin. (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22) However, G-d does not require blood sacrifices and human sacrifices are absolutely against G-d's Law. (Ezekiel 33:11,19, Jeremiah 36:3, Hosea 14:3)
Missionary Proof: All mankind is damned because of Adam’s sin.
Jewish Answer: Although the Torah does speak of Adam’s sin, it teaches that man can rise above it. Man might not be able to perfect himself, but it was for this reason that G-d gave us the Torah.
Missionary Proof: The Jews were originally G-d’s chosen people, but they were rejected when they refused to accept His son, Jesus as their savior.
Jewish Answer: It is impossible to imagine that G-d would ever reject the Jewish people. In many places, the Bible clearly states that His covenant with them will be forever.
Missionary Proof: Torah Law is too difficult to follow. Only faith is needed.
Jewish Answer: It is absurd to think that G-d would give a Torah that was impossible or too difficult to follow. In no place does Judaism teach that one can be saved from damnation by mere belief. Any true belief in G-d must lead a person to follow His mitzvot.
Missionary Proof: Jesus was the Messiah predicted by the Prophets of the Bible. He is also the Son of G-d and G-d Himself. The only thing that can prevent man’s utter damnation in hell is the belief in Jesus.
Jewish Answer: Jesus could not have been the Messiah. The Prophets predicted a world of peace and love after the Messiah’s coming, and this certainly does not exist today. Furthermore, any talk of the Messiah as being the ‘son of G-d’ is totally unacceptable. In no place do the Prophets say that he will be anything more than a remarkable leader and teacher. In no place does Judaism teach that one can be saved from damnation by mere belief. Any true belief in G-d must lead a person to follow His mitzvot.
Missionary Proof: Since Jesus is the Jewish messiah a person can believe that Jesus is the messiah and remain Jewish.
Jewish Answer: A Jewish person does not believe that Jesus is the messiah/G-d. If a person is born of a Jewish mother or converts to Judaism then that person is forever a Jew. If that same person follows another religion then he/she is an apostate Jew.
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Answers to Missionary Scriptural Interpretations
Genesis | Exodus | Deuteronomy | Isaiah | Jeremiah | Micah | Zechariah | Psalms | Daniel
Genesis
Genesis 18:1-4,22
Missionary interpretation: (1) Christians say that these passages show that G-d can and does appear as a corporeal being therefore G-d made himself into a corporeal being known as Jesus. (2) Christians say that since Abraham called the three men L-rd or G-d then he believed in the trinity.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) Verse three was addressed to G-d where Abraham was asking G-d to wait a bit while he took care of the three men. (2) Later in verse 22, it shows that G-d was still there and waiting for the three men to leave.
Genesis 22:8,13
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage refers to Jesus being offered up as a sacrifice as the son of G-d as Isaac was to be offered up as the son of Abraham.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) A ram was provided at that time - not hundreds of years later - for the offering. (2) Jesus was not offered up as a burnt offering but the ram was offered up as a burnt offering.
Genesis 49:10
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage refers to Jesus since he was the only one who claimed to be the messiah before 70CE and the scepter was removed shortly afterwards.
Problems with this interpretation: The last Jewish king from the tribe of Judah reigned at the end of the first Temple, after which he was carried off into exile. None of the kings during the second Temple were from the tribe of Judah.
Exodus
Exodus 12:5,8
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage foreshadows Jesus as the Pascal lamb.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) This refers to a very specific time when the Jews were still slaves in the land of Egypt. (2) Jesus was not roasted or burned. (3) Jesus was not unblemished due to his whipping and broken bones.
Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 6:4
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage proves the trinity since it mentions G-d three times and concludes by saying it is all one.
Problems with this interpretation: The Hebrew in this verse refers to G-d by His different Names and not as three different manifestations.
Deuteronomy 18:15,18
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that these passages refer to Jesus since he was a prophet
Problems with this interpretation: (1) This scripture simply states that there will be other prophets like Moses (i.e. Samuel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Micah) (2) Since Jesus taught against Torah and G-d’s mitzvot he obviously does not speak from words given to him from G-d.
Isaiah
Isaiah 7:14
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage refers to Jesus since he was born to a virgin.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) This scripture has been misinterpreted based upon a mistranslated scripture. The original Hebrew uses the word almah which means maiden or young woman. The Christian text mistranslates the original Hebrew and insists the word almah means virgin; which is completely false since the Hebrew word betulah mean virgin. (2) The birth of the child was a sign from G-d to King Ahaz - 500 years before Jesus was born. (3) Jesus was never named Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6-7
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage is a prophetic verse about the coming messiah whom they believe to be Jesus.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) Jesus was not named the Prince of Peace. (2) The child is born when this passage was written - not hundreds of years later. (3) The Wondrous Adviser, Mighty G-d, Eternal Father refers to G-d and not the child.
Isaiah 11:1-2
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that these passages refer to Jesus since they believe that he is the messiah.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) Jesus does not come from the line of Jesse since Jesse is not the biological father of Jesus. (2) Jesus has not fulfilled any of the other prophecies in this chapter.
Isaiah 43:3
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that these passages means that G-d will be the Messiah.
Problems with this interpretation: Taking the entire verse in context, one plainly sees that G-d is the Savior and not the Messiah.
Isaiah 48:12-16
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that these passages refer to the trinity: I, or Me, Who is the Creator; the L-rd G-d; and the Spirit.
Problems with this interpretation: Isaiah is saying, G-d has now sent me, and here is His message.
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage refers to Jesus, just as the passages in Matthew 26 and 27 refer to Jesus.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) This passage does not refer to Jesus exclusively. This passage refers to the Jewish people on the whole and can be described as the history of the Jewish people. (2) The Christian versions of this passage show that the verbs keep changing tenses. (3) This passage may speak of the messiah. Yet, the messiah has yet to come. (4) Trying to show that this passage refers to Jesus is based on the reasoning that the story of his life in the Christian Bible is correct. However, there are multiple problems with this reasoning. (5) Taking a look at Matthew 27:46, one can see that Jesus did not go quietly like a sheep to the slaughter but spoke out and appeared to even blaspheme. (6) The subject of this passage will have children and a long life. Neither can be said of Jesus.
Isaiah 64:5-8
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that these passages mean that all of mankind is doomed to sin and Jesus's death was the only blood atonement that can take sins away from mankind.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) The idea that the only way to atone for sin is by a blood sacrifice is not to be found in the Tanach. (2) The idea that human sacrifice is acceptable to G-d is blasphemy. It was shown to mankind at the time of the Akeidah (binding of Isaac) that G-d does not permit human sacrifice. (3) Since Jesus's blood was not offered in the Temple nor was his blood sprinkled by the priest, his sacrifice was for nobody.
Jeremiah
Jeremiah 23:5-8
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that these passages refer to Jesus since they believe that he is the messiah, descended from David.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) Jesus does not come from the line of David since Jesse is not the biological father of Jesus. (2) Jesus has not fulfilled any of the other prophecies in this chapter.
Jeremiah 31:30-33
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that G-d told Jeremiah that there will be a new set of laws, a new contract, with man. The "New Testament" is called the "Brit Chadosha" which is Hebrew for "new covenant".
Problems with this interpretation: If Jesus was the real messiah/G-d and introduced a new set of laws, then there would be no need for anyone to teach the word of G-d.
Micah
Micah 5:1-2
Missionary interpretation: (1) Christians say that these passages refer Jesus since he was smitten and attacked by his enemies and he was born in Bethlehem. (2) Christians say that these passages show that Jesus existed even before he was born in a physical form.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) This scripture does not point exclusively to Jesus but refers to David (Samuel 17:12) stating that he will be born in Bethlehem and out of his descendants will come the Messiah. (2) The Messiah will bring peace upon the earth. (3) There is the question of whether or not Jesus even came from the line of David (Joseph was not his birth father so his tribe did not pass on to Jesus)
Zechariah
Zechariah 3:8-9
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that G-d says outright that Joshua is symbolic of things to come - that "I am going to bring my servant the Branch." Christians also refer to the section that states that G-d “will remove the sin of this land in a single day.” refers to Jesus's "sacrifice".
Problems with this interpretation: (1) This is referring to G-d reassuring Joshua that Zerubbabel will complete the rebuilding of the Temple. (2) There is no mention of the term "branch". (3) This is referring to the building of the Second Temple by those who returned to Israel from Babylonia.
Zechariah 6:12-13
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage is a prophetic verse about the Temple being rebuilt by someone called "the Branch." This "Branch" would reign as King, but he would also be a priest. Christians also believe that this "branch" refers to Joshua (Jesus).
Problems with this interpretation: (1) There is no mention of the word "branch" in this passage. (2) It specifically states that the king and Kohen will be two separate people. (3) This refers to the people who returned to Israel from exile in Babylonia rebuilding the Temple. (4) The second throne will be held by Zerubbabel and not "Joshua".
Zechariah 9:9
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage is a prophetic verse about the coming messiah. Since Christians believe that he is the messiah, his riding into Jerusalem on a donkey proves that he is the messiah.
Problems with this interpretation: Many, many people rode into Jerusalem on a donkey so even if this verse was about the messiah it cannot only be about Jesus.
Zechariah 11:10-12
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage foretells of the thirty pieces of silver that was paid to Judas in order that he betray Jesus and turn him over to the Romans.
Problems with this interpretation: This passage is not a prophecy and refers to the righteous people that if they think good then they should give a price.
Psalms
Psalm 2:7
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage refers to Jesus.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) This Psalm is parallel to Psalm 89. In Psalm 89 -beginning in verse 20 - it shows that David is the anointed one and is referred to as G-d's firstborn. It also shows that David will call G-d "my Father." (2) All Jews are called the children of G-d in the Hebrew Scripture.
Psalm 22
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage is similar to the crucifixion of Jesus.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) This scripture does not point exclusively to Jesus but refers to the Jewish people as a whole. (2) Jesus did not expect G-d to save him. (3) Christians have made up a new Hebrew word (one that never has existed). They say that korai means pierced which leads them to mistranslate the passage.
Psalm 69:22
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage refers to Jesus during his crucifixion.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) This passage is not a prophecy and could just as well refer to David as Jesus. (2) This passage also refers to those who have sinned, yet Christians claim that Jesus never sinned.
Psalm 110
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that these passages refer to Jesus sitting at G-d's right side.
Problems with this interpretation: (1) This scripture has been misinterpreted based upon a mistranslated scripture. The original Hebrew says: The word of Hashem to my master while the Christian translation says: The L-rd says to my L-rd. (2) Notice that in the original Hebrew the initial verse contains “A Psalm to David” indicating that this psalm was written about David.
Psalm 118:22
Missionary interpretation: Christians say that this passage refers to Jesus as the stone that was rejected by his people and that he became the cornerstone for a new religion.
Problems with this interpretation: This passage is not a prophecy and could just as well refer to David as Jesus.
Daniel
Daniel 9:24-27
Missionary interpretation: (1) Christians say that after 69 weeks the messiah will come. (2) Christians say that the 70th week will occur with Jesus's "second coming".
Problems with this interpretation: (1) The correct translation states that the messiah will come after 7 weeks, Jerusalem will remain built for 62 weeks, and after these 62 weeks, it will be destroyed. (2) The Temple and Jerusalem was destroyed in 70CE which is about 40 years after Jesus. (3) The Jewish calendar is based upon the lunar pattern and is not 365 days long. (4) There will be no "second coming" of the true messiah. (5) Daniel is referring to Cyrus, of Persia (Jeremiah 25:11-12, Ezra 1:1, Isaiah 45:1)
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"New Testament" Contradictions
Christians become righteous and without sin. (I John 3:6-9)
We cannot say we are righteous and without sin. (I John 1:8-10)
The covenant of circumcision is an everlasting covenant. (Genesis 17:7,10-11)
Circumcision is of no consequence. (Galations 6:15)
The twelve sons of Jacob/Israel. (Genesis 49:2-28)
Manasseh (Joseph's son) is listed instead of Gad. (Revelations 7:4-8)
Jacob was buried in the cave in the field of Machpelah that was bought from Ephron, the Hittite. (Genesis 50:13)
It is stated that Jacob was buried in Shechem in the sepulchre that was bought from the sons of Emmor/Hamor. Not to mention, the incident in Genesis only referred to Jacob. (Acts 7:15-16)
The Sabbath is an eternal covenant. (Exodus 31:16)
Paul taught that everyone can decide for themselves whether to keep the Sabbath. (Romans 14:5)
One of the "Ten Commandments" is to honor thy father and mother. (Exodus 20:12)
Jesus teaches that he had come to divide families. (Matthew 10:35-36)
G-d forbids the eating of fat and blood as an eternal decree. (Leviticus 3:17)
Jesus dismisses the decree. (Matthew 15:11)
G-d states that there will never be one as wise as Solomon. (I Kings 3:12)
Jesus states that there is one who is wiser than Solomon. (Matthew 12:42)
Elijah was taken up into heaven. (II Kings 2:11)
Jesus claims that only the "Son of Man" has been taken up into heaven. (John 3:13)
Jesus' lineage is traced through Solomon (David's son). (Matthew 1:6-7)
His lineage is also traced through Nathan (David's son). (Luke 3:31)
Jacob was Joseph's father. (Matthew 1:16)
Heli is also listed as Joseph's father. (Luke 3:23)
There was 28 generations from David to Jesus. (Matthew 1:17)
It was recorded that there were 43 generations from David to Jesus. (Luke 3:23-38)
The annunciation occurred after Mary had conceived Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-21)
The annunciation occurred before conception. (Luke 1:26-31)
The angel spoke to Joseph. (Matthew 1:20)
The angel spoke to Mary. (Luke 1:28)
The child will be called Immanuel. (Matthew 1:23)
He was called Jesus. (Matthew 1:25)
Following Jesus' birth, the family flees to Egypt to avoid the murder of the firstborn. (Matthew 2:13-16)
The family stays in Jerusalem for about 40 days and never flees to Egypt. (Luke 2:22-40)
It was prophecied that Jesus would be called a Nazerene. (Matthew 2:23)
There is no such prophecy.
John recognized Jesus as the messiah. (Matthew 3:11-14)
After the baptism, John sends his disciples to ask if Jesus is the messiah. (Matthew 11:2-3)
The Devil took Jesus to the Temple and then to the mountain. (Matthew 4:5-8)
The Devil took Jesus to the mountain and then to the Temple. (Luke 4:5-9)
We are saved by works, not by faith. (Matthew 7:21)
Faith is what provides salvation. (John 3:16)
A centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant. (Matthew 8:5-12)
A centurion asked Jewish elders to ask Jesus to heal his servant. (Luke 7:2-10)
The apostles were to work amongst the Jews and not the Gentiles. (Matthew 10:5-6)
Peter worked amongst the Gentiles (Acts 15:7)
Jesus orders the apostles to not take sandals or staves. (Matthew 10:10)
Jesus orders the apostles to take sandals and staves. (Mark 6:8-9)
Jesus states that John the Baptist is a prophet. (Matthew 11:8-9)
John the Baptist denies being a prophet. (John 1:21)
Jesus refers to a law that states the priests profane the Sabbath yet are blameless. (Matthew 12:5)
There is not such law.
The transfiguration occurs six days after Jesus foretells his suffering. (Matthew 17:1-2)
The transfiguration took place eight days afterwards. (Luke 9:28-29)
The mother of James and John asks Jesus a favor for her sons. (Matthew 20:20-21)
James and John asked Jesus a favor themselves. (Mark 10:35-37)
Jesus heals two blind men as he was leaving Jericho. (Matthew 20:29-34)
Jesus healed one blind man as he arrived at Jericho. (Mark 10:46-52)
*Note, there is no mention of the healing as he was leaving Jericho in Mark and there was no mention of the healing as he arrived at Jericho in Matthew.
The disciples brought the donkey and colt to Jesus. (Matthew 21:6-7)
Jesus himself found the donkey. (John 12:14)
*Note, in Matthew, two animals are to be brought and only one animal is to be brought in Mark.
Jesus rode two animals. (Matthew 21:7)
Jesus rode one animal. (Mark 11:7)
Jesus was annointed with perfume in Bethany and the house of Simon the leper. (Matthew 26:6-13)
Jesus was annointed with perfume in Galilee at the house of a Pharisee. (Luke 7:36-38)
The perfume was poured on Jesus' head. (Matthew 26:7)
The perfume was poured on his feet. (Luke 7:38)
Judas makes the bargain with the chief priest before the meal. (Matthew 26:14-16)
Judas made the bargain after the meal. (John 13:21-30)
The order of the communion was bread and then wine. (Matthew 26:26-29)
The order of the communion is recorded as being wine then bread. (Luke 22:17-20)
The diciples fell asleep three times. (Matthew 26:40-45)
The disciples fell asleep once. (Luke 22:45)
Judas kissed Jesus. (Matthew 26:49-50)
Judas approached Jesus to kiss him, yet Jesus anticipates the kiss and no kiss is mentioned. (Luke 22:47-48)
Judas did not kiss Jesus. (John 18:2-9)
The ear of the servant is cut off and left cut. (Matthew 26:51)
The ear of the servant is cut and the healed by Jesus. (Luke 22:50-51)
After his arrest Jesus is taken to Caiaphas. (Matthew 26:57)
After his arrest Jesus is taken to Annas (Caiaphas' son-in-law). (John 18:12-13)
Jesus was taken before the Sanhedrin the night of Passover. (Matthew 26:18-20, 57-68, 27:1-2)
Jesus was taken before the Sanhedrin the morning of Passover. (Luke 22:13-15, 54-66)
Jesus was taken before the Sanhedrin the day before Passover. (John 18:28, 19:14)
Jesus was tried before the entire Sanhedrin. (Matthew 26:59-66)
Jesus was not on trial but was produced before an inquiry of the Sanhedrin. (Luke 22:66-71)
Jesus only appeared in a private hearing with Annas and Caiaphas. (John 18:13-24)
The high priest asks Jesus if he is the Son of G-d. (Matthew 26:63)
The high priest asks Jesus if he is the Son of the Blessed. (Mark 14:61)
Peter makes his first denial to the servant girl and "them all." (Matthew 26:69-70)
Peter makes his first denial only to the servant girl. (Mark 14:66-68)
Peter makes his second denial to another servant girl. (Matthew 26:71-72)
Peter makes his second denial to the same servant girl as the first denial. (Mark 14:69-70)
Peter makes his second denial to a man and not a servant girl. (Luke 22:58)
Peter makes his second denial to an unknown bystander(s). (John 18:25)
Peter makes his third denial to unknown bystanders. (Matthew 26:73-74)
Peter makes his thrid denial to a man. (Luke 22:59-60)
Peter makes his third denial to a servant of the high priest. (John 18:26-27)
The rooster crows once. (Matthew 26:74)
The rooster crows twice. (Mark 14:72)
Judas returned the silver to the chief priests. (Matthew 27:5)
Judas used the coins to buy the potter's field. (Acts 1:18)
Judas hanged himself. (Matthew 27:5)
Judas fell and burst open. (Acts 1:18)
The chief priests bought the potter's field. (Matthew 27:7)
Judas bought the potter's field. (Acts 1:18)
The potter's field is called the Field of Blood due to the coins being "blood money". (Matthew 27:8)
The potter's field is called the Field of Blood due to Judas' death in the field. (Acts 1:19)
Jesus did not answer the charges brought against him before Pilate. (Matthew 27:11-14)
Jesus answered every charge brought against him before Pilate. (John 18:33-37)
Simon of Cyrene carried Jesus' cross. (Matthew 27:32)
Jesus carried his own cross. (John 19:17)
Both criminals crucified with Jesus taunted him. (Matthew 27:44)
Only one of the criminals crucified with Jesus taunted him. (Luke 23:39)
Jesus was offered wine vinegar to drink. (Matthew 27:48)
Jesus was offered a mixture of wine and myrrh to drink. (Mark 15:23)
The first visitors to the tomb were Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. (Matthew 28:1)
The first visitors to the tomb were Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, and Salome. (Mark 16:1)
The first visitor to the tomb were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and "the others". (Luke 23:55-24:1,10)
The first visitor to the tomb was Mary Magdalene. (John 20:1)
The visit took place after the Sabbath at dawn. (Matthew 28:1)
The visit took place on the first day of the week just after sunrise. (Mark 16:2)
The visit took place on the first day of the week very early in the morning. (Luke 24:1)
The visit took place on the first day of the week while it was still dark. (John 20:1)
The stone at the tomb entrance was still in place when the visit took place. (Matthew 28:1-2)
The stone had already been rolled away when the visit took place. (Mark 16:4)
An angel arrived during an earthquake and rolled back the stone at the tomb entrance then sat on it. (Matthew 28:2)
There was no eathquake, only a young man sitting inside the tomb. (Mark 16:5)
There was no earthquake, only two men appearing and standing inside the tomb. (Luke 24:2-4)
There was no earthquake, only two angels sitting inside the tomb. (John 20:12)
The visitors ran to tell the disciples. (Matthew 28:8)
The visitor told no one. (Mark 16:8)
The visitors told the eleven disciples and "all the other". (Luke 24:9)
The disciples returned home before Jesus appeared to Mary Magdelene at the tomb. (John 20:10-11)
Jesus' first resurrection appearance was near the tomb. (Matthew 28:8-9)
Jesus' first resurrection appearance was in the vicinity of Emmaus (seven miles from Jerusalem). (Luke 24:13)
Jesus' first resurrection appearance was at the tomb. (John 20:13-14)
The order of the resurrection appearances were: Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, then the eleven disciples. (Matthew 28:9,18)
The order of the resurrection appearances were: Mary Magdalene, two others, then the eleven disciples. (Mark 16:9-14)
*Note, these verses were not in the original manuscripts and most likely not written by Mark.
The order of the resurrection appearances were: Cleopas and a sojourner, Simon, and then the eleven disciples. (Luke 24:15-36)
The order of the resurrection appearances were: Mary Magdalene, the disciples without Thomas, the disciples with Thomas, and then the eleven disciples again. (John 20:14-21:1)
The order of the resurrection appearances were: Peter, the twelve disciples, 500+ others, James, the apostles, then Paul. (I Corinthians 15:5-8)
Jesus began his ministry after the arrest of John the Baptist. (Mark 1:14)
Jesus began his ministry before the arrest of John the Baptist. (John 3:22-24)
It was the third hour when Jesus was crucified. (Mark 15:25)
It was after the sixth hour when Jesus was crucified. (John 19:14-15)
The women came to the tomb to anoint the body. (Mark 16:1)
The body had already been anointed and wrapped in linen cloth. (John 19:39-40)
The women actually entered the tomb. (Mark 16:5)
The women did not enter the tomb. (John 20:1-2,11)
There is no mention of the ascension, but if it took place, it would have been from a mountain in Galilee. (Matthew 28:16-20)
The ascension took place in or near Jerusalem. (Mark 16:14-19)
*Note, these verses were not in the original manuscripts and most likely not written by Mark.
The ascension took place outside in Bethany (near Jerusalem). (Luke 24:50-51)
No one can be a disciple of Jesus unless he hates his parents, wife, children, brothers, and sisters. (Luke 14:26)
If anyone claims to love G-d but hates his brother, he is a liar. (I John 4:20)
Satan entered Judas before the supper. (Luke 22:1-3)
Satan entered Judas during supper. (John 13:27)
Jesus and G-d are one. (John 10:30)
G-d is greater than Jesus. (John 14:28)
Jesus quotes a scripture that for anyone who believes in him, streams of living water will flow from within him. (John 7:38)
There is no such scripture.
Jesus came into the world to bear witness to the truth. (John 18:37)
The truth has always been evident. (Romans 1:18-20)
Jesus has to rise from the dead according to scripture. (John 20:9)
There is no such scripture.
In his first ressurection appearance before the disciples, Jesus gives them the Holy Spirit. (John 20:22)
The Holy Spirit was received much later. (Acts 1:3-5)
We are to obey G-d not men. (Acts 5:29)
We are to obey the laws of men. It is the will of G-d. (Romans 13:1-4)
Those present at Paul's conversion heard a voice but saw nothing. (Acts 9:7)
Those present at Paul's conversion saw a light but did not hear a voice. (Acts 22:9)
Those present at Paul's conversion stood. (Acts 9:7)
Those present at Paul's conversion fell to the ground. (Acts 26:14)
Shortly after Paul's conversion he went to Damascus, then to Jerusalem where he was introduced to the apostles by Barnabas. He then went to Caesarea and Tarsus. (Acts 9:19-30)
Shortly after Paul's conversion he went to Arabia and Damascus then three years later he went to Jerusalem and met Peter and James only. He then went to Syria and Cilicia. (Galatians 1:15-21)
Paul quotes a scripture that states that those who trusts in him (Jesus) will never be put to shame. (Romans 10:11)
There is no such scripture.
Paul says that he does use trickery. (II Corinthians 12:16)
Paul says that he does not use trickery. (I Thessalonians 2:3)
James quotes a scripture that states without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely. (James 4:5)
There is no such scripture.
All the grass on the earth will be burnt. (Revelations 8:7)
An army of locusts are instructed not to harm the grass. (Revelations 9:4)
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Comparative Genealogy
| Tanach |
Matthew 1:2-16 |
Luke 3:23-38 |
Adam
Seth
Enosh
Kenan
Mahalalel
Jared
Enoch
Methuselah
Lamech
Noah
Shem
Arhphachshad
Shelah
Eber
Peleg
Reu
Serug
Nahor
Terah
Abraham
Isaac
Jacob
Judah
Perez
Hezron
Ram
Amminadab
Nahshon
Salma
Boaz
Obed
Jesse
David
Solomon
Rehoboam
Abijah
Asa
Jehoshaphat
Joram
Ahaziah
Joash
Amaziah
Azariah
Jotham
Ahaz
Hezekiah
Mannasseh
Amon
Josiah
Jehoiakim
Jeconiah**
Assir
Shealtiel
Zerubbabel
Hananiah
Jeshaiah
Rephaiah
Arnan
Obadiah
Shechaniah
Shemaiah
Neariah
Elioenai
**The remaining list is a physical genealogy of David's royal line. However, beginning with Jeconiah and his children, this part of the Davidic line is no longer eligible for the throne. (Jeremiah 22) |
Abraham
Isaac
Jacob
Judah
Perez
Hezron
Ram
Amminadab
Nahshon
Salmon
Boaz
Obed
Jesse
David
Solomon
Rehoboam
Abijah
Asa
Jehoshaphat
Jehoram
Uzziah
Jotham
Ahaz
Hezekiah
Manasseh
Amon
Josiah
Jeconiah
Shealtiel
Zerubbabel
Abiud
Eliakim
Azo
Zadok
Akim
Eliud
Eleazar
Matthan
Jacob
Joseph |
Adam
Seth
Enosh
Kenan
Mahalah
Jared
Enoch
Methuselah
Lamech
Noah
Shem
Arphaxad
Cainan
Shelah
Eber
Peleg
Reu
Serug
Nahor
Terah
Abraham
Isaac
Jacob
Judah
Perez
Hezron
Ram
Amminadab
Nahshon
Salmon
Boaz
Obed
Jesse
David
Nathan
Mattatha
Menna
Melea
Eliakim
Jonam
Joseph
Judah
Simeon
Levi
Matthat
Jorim
Eliezer
Joshua
Er
Elmadam
Cosam
Addi
Melki
Neri
Shealtiel
Zerubbabel
Rhesa
Joanan
Joda
Josech
Semein
Mattathias
Maath
Naggai
Esli
Nahum
Amos
Mattathias
Joseph
Jannai
Melki
Levi
Matthat
Heli
Joseph |
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Genesis 18: Does this Speak of G-d Being Corporeal?
By: Rachel-Esther bat-Avraham
Hashem appeared to him in the plains of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance of the tent in the heat of the day. He lifted his eyes and saw: And behold! three men were standing over him. He perceived, so he ran toward them from the entrance of the tent, and bowed toward the ground. And he said, "My L-rd, if I find favor in Your eyes, please pass not away from Your servant." ... The men had turned from there and went to Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before Hashem. --Genesis 18: 1-3,22
Christian missionaries often use Genesis 18 as proof-text for G-d coming to earth as a corporeal being and the existence of a trinity. These missionaries have several arguments regarding this passage:
-Since G-d came to Abraham as a corporeal being it is proof that G-d later came as a corporeal being known as Jesus, and
-Since Abraham referred to the three men as L-rd, Abraham believed in the trinity.
There are problems with these missionary arguments:
-Verse three was addressed to G-d;
-Verse three is simply a prayer going up from Abraham to G-d, asking G-d to please wait to continue their discussion while Abraham was hospitable to the three men; and,
-Later, in verse 22, it shows that G-d was still present and waiting for the three men to leave as Abraham requested.
According to Rashi:
-In verse 1, G-d came to visit Abraham to inquire as to Abraham's healing (it was three days since his circumcision). This is an example by G-d for mankind to remember to visit the sick.
-In the same verse, Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent to better see if any visitors came to the tent. G-d had made the sun shine brightly that day in order to discourage visitors. However, since this saddened Abraham, G-d sent three visitors who were angels in the guise of man.
These three angels came on three missions. One to bring tidings to Sarah - that she would give birth to a son. One to overturn Sodom (he is the angel who saved Lot). One to heal Abraham.
-Abraham spoke to G-d to ask G-d to wait and continue their discussion after he attended to the three visitors.
-After Abraham escorted the three men away from his tent, Abraham returned to his discussion with G-d.
© Rachel-Esther bat-Avraham 2004-2008
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Daniel 9: Does this Speak of Jesus?
By: Rachel-Esther bat-Avraham
Seventy septets have been decreed upon your people and upon your holy city to terminate transgression, to end sin, to wipe away iniquity, to bring everlasting righteousness, to confirm the visions and prophets, and to anoint the Holy of Holies. Know and comprehend: From the emergence of the word to return and to build Jerusalem, until the anointment of the prince will be seven septets, and for sixty-two septets it will be rebuilt, street and moat, but in troubled times. Then, after the sixty-two septets, the anointed one will be cut off and will exist no longer; the people of the prince will come will destroy the city and the Sanctuary; but his end will be [to be swept away as] in a flood. Then, until the end of the war, desolation is decreed. He will forge a strong covenant with the great ones for one septet; but for half of that septet he will abolish sacrifice and meal-offering, and the mute abominations will be upon soaring heights, until exterminated as decreed will put down upon the mute [abomination]. --Daniel 9:24-27
Christian missionaries often use Daniel 9 as proof-text for Jesus being the promised Jewish Messiah. These missionaries have several arguments regarding this passage:
-After 69 septets the Messiah will come;
-The 70th septet will occur with Jesus’ "second coming";
-The time (septets) began with King Cyrus and never stopped;
-Jesus became the anointed one after his baptism; and,
-The Jewish nation was judged for all 70 consecutive septets and Jerusalem was subsequently destroyed by the people of the prince in 70 AD.
There are multiple problems with these missionary arguments:
-The messiah (an anointed king) will come after 7 septets, Jerusalem will remain built for 62 septets, and after these 62 septets, Jerusalem will be destroyed;
-The Holy of Holies (Temple) was destroyed in 70CE which is 38 years after Jesus;
-The Jewish calendar is based upon the lunar pattern and is not 360 days long;
-There will be no "second coming" of the Jewish Messiah;
Daniel is referring to Cyrus of Persia (Jeremiah 25:11-12, Ezra 1:1, Isaiah 45:1);
-Messiah (Moshiach in Hebrew) means "anointed one" and does not only refer to the prophesized Messiah that will appear to usher in the Messianic Age. All Jewish kings and priests are also messiahs; and,
-Daniel is not a book of prophecy (Nevi’im) but is a book of writings (Ketuvim).
According to Rashi:
-In verse 24, the seventy septets which refer to seventy times seven years – 490 years – which refers to the 70 years of exile that have passed from the Destruction of the First Temple until this vision, and the entire 420 year period of the Second Temple.
-In verse 25, the septets refer to full seven-year periods. The prince mentioned in this verse is Cyrus who gave permission for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple. Cyrus ascended to the throne 52 years (seven septets plus 3 years) after the exile began. From his ascendancy until the destruction of the Second Temple in 70CE was 438 years – sixty-two septets plus 4 years.
-In verse 26, the anointed one refers to King Agrippa, the last Jewish king at the end of the Second Temple Era. After his death (being cut off), the prince – the Roman Titus –commanded the destruction of Jerusalem which will not be rebuilt until after the War of Gog and Magog in Messianic Times.
-In verse 27, the reference is to the Roman emperor making a treaty with the Jews for seven years. However, the second half of this treaty was violated by the Romans who impeded the Temple service. The "mute abomination" refers to the temple of idolatry that was erected on the Temple Mount by emperor Hadrian.
© Rachel-Esther bat-Avraham 2004-2008
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